HC Deb 22 March 2004 vol 419 cc544-5W
Miss McIntosh

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of the Defence Intelligence Services. [162299]

Mr. Hoon

The Defence Intelligence Staff (DIS) is an integral part of the Ministry of Defence and plays an essential role in achieving the UK's defence objectives. It is a key contributor to the successful prosecution of military operations. As emphasised in the recent Defence White Paper "Delivering Security in a Changing World", the strategic environment is increasingly uncertain and comprises a diverse range of threats which require intelligence -led responses.

The DIS will therefore continue to he an important element of our overall defence capability.